Melia Buenavista

Third visit to MBV, very disappointing. First time, WOW!!! Second time, after the pandemic, ugh, it's gone downhill, but we understand. But this time it's clear that the management is making all the worst possible decisions. A satisfied customer is a returning customer. If you're the type to judge a restaurant's cleanliness by the state of its restrooms, you'll feel sick just thinking about eating there all week. Even the lobby is dilapidated, where they greet you! All the fabric chairs are soiled, you can barely see through the windows, the mattresses are stained, the furniture is torn and filthy... everywhere you look you find damage. To be honest, the airport (SNU) is much cleaner and better maintained! The staff are doing their best, but they aren't given the tools to do their jobs. They have everything to be an incredible, top-quality destination: snorkeling, lush, mature nature and gardens, large, comfortable rooms, an extremely relaxing atmosphere, impeccable service, and incredibly kind staff, but... everything is trashed and dirty! We're camping enthusiasts, and by comparison, it's much healthier to eat outside, or at least have the rain rinse the table. Unless there's a renovation and a major cleaning, we're done. We came back from our vacation with traveler's diarrhea, both physical and mental. We know things are bad in Cuba, we understand, but soap costs next to nothing, and there are plenty of people willing to work. Note to management: If you want to make a profit, the customer has to benefit. You're literally sabotaging this source of income, which, according to your people, is essential to the country's economy. Thank you to all the hotel staff; shame on the Meliá management for ruining everything.

3ème visite au MBV très décevante.

1ere fois WOW!!!
2ème fois, après la pandémie, wouin, ça ce degrade, mais on comprend.
Mais cette fois ci c’est claire que la direction de l’autel prenne toute les pires décision possible. Un client satisfait est un client qui revient.

Si vous êtes du genre a juger de la salubrité d’un restaurant par celle des salles de toilettes, vous aller avoir mal au coeur juste d'y penser de manger là tout la semaine. Même le lobby est en état de décrépitude, là où on vous reçoit! Tout les chaises en tissus sont souillés, on ne voit pas pratiquement pas au travers de vitrines, matelas taché, ameublement déchiré et crotté .... partout où on regarde on trouve des bris. Pour tout dire, a l'aéroport (SNU) c’est beaucoup plus propre et entretenus!

Le personnel font le max mais on ne leur donne pas d'outils pour travailler.

Il ont tout pour être une destination incroyable de première qualité, snorkeling, nature et jardins mature et resplandissants, grande chambres confortable, embiance extrêmement relaxante, service impecable, personel d’une exteme gentillesse mais... tout est scrap et sale! On est amateur de camping et en comparaison, c’est plus salubre de manger dehors ou au moins la pluis a rincé la table.

A moins de réno et d’un grand menage, pour nous c’est fini. On est revenu de vanance avec la tourista morale et physique.

On le sait, vas mal a Cuba, on comprend, mais du savon ca coûte rien et du monde qui veulle travailler y’en pleut.

Note a la direction: Si vous voulez faire des profit, il faut que le client en profite. Vous saboter littéralement cette source de revenus qui, d'après votre peuple, est indispensable a l'économie du pays.

Merci a tout le personnel de l'hôtel, honte a la direction Melia qui ruine tout.

Very beautiful, very clean, very quiet. Bring mosquito repellent for the evening. I will return.

Très beau, très propre, très tranquille, apporter un anti moustique pour le soir, j’y retournerai

Not so bueno

Honest review (and beware of 5 star reviews on google maps which appear to be copy paste to inflate the rating number).

As 9th trip to Cuba, I manage my expectations. There were some positives but they were heavily outweighed by the negatives. Been to variety of resorts and comparing this primarily to royalton CSM.

WELCOME
Got a welcome drink. Check in was quick. Got tour of premises.

BUTLER
Our “daily” butler was supposed to be at our service all week. He only worked 3 days during our one week stay and we basically only saw him five minutes each day to take down the time we wanted dinner reservation. Though we tipped him well, he couldn’t fulfill a few requests/resolve a few issues.

WIFI
Good luck getting connected. Very spotty.

ROOM
Dated rooms but very large which was nice. Outdoor shower kind of cool but in rough shape and low water pressure and getting hot/lukewarm water was hit or miss. Tub was gross, no water pressure and only cold water. Nothing about it worked. All doors/latches opened and closed well. AC worked well but control panel didn’t work. The safe only had 3 working numbers so pretty sure anyone could have cracked our safe code. The towels were fluffy and great quality but hardly (if ever) changed. Mattress was on very firm side, actually too firm. Its condition was absolutely disgusting and filthy.

BEACH TOWELS
Tried to exchange on 2 occasions but they never had any so basically had the same towels all week.

THREE BEACHES

Sunset beach - is nice for the view and a picture but you can’t go in the water which is stagnant, clay-like sand, and shallow water filled with plants. Nobody goes in the water or in those hammock chairs. The bar drinks and service there were good.

Snorkeling beach - crushed coral and crashing waves. 2 people snorkeled whole time we were there. Not swimmable.

Main beach - Cuba can’t control the weather but has the aftermath to deal with. It was so windy the waves were crashing hard into the beach which was eroded. For two days the waters were filled with jellyfish. But the worst was that there was so much sea grass, one could hardly find a spot to go in the water or walk the beach. Only on last day there was 3 people to try to rake some of it up. The sea grass smelled so bad and is breeding grounds for sand fleas. (The picture you see is on a good day! Other days the water was filled with sea grass, and you really can’t see over deceiving sand cliff to see the sea grass which was 10-12 feet wide and clumped 1-2 feet high)

No beach bar service on the beach ever despite boasting this service.

Shower near walkway did not work.

BEACH SUGGESTION
Take shuttle to Melia Las Dunas whose stretch of beach was beautiful and clean. Got to enjoy that beach on one day when weather was more promising.

MOSQUITOS/NO-SEE-UMS
I sprayed with deet and eucalyptus/lemon but still got tons of bites. Super itchy but I count myself lucky as I saw others back at airport who had bright red spots all over.

POOLS
Quieter pool - pool pump not working all week. We once asked a passing worker for a net to skim water. He brought it to us and walked away. So some guests would do this task. I had the pleasure of cleaning the pool to remove palm leaves, dead lizard and dead crab.

On last day there, a shovel full of chlorine was dumped on the pool steps.

No pool drink service at the quieter pool despite the resort being very quiet and workers around main pool just idly chatting at main pool bar. MBV boasted about pool bar service and beach bar service but non existent.

LOBBY BAR
Great area outside with nice new wicker chairs and umbrellas. Great AC inside. Excellent service, especially Leidi (sounds like Lady) and Manuel. Had varied choices of bottles including whisky, brandy, Campari, Limoncello and Vermouth. But no sparkling wine all week.

RESTAURANTS/FOOD
Luis, food manager from Mexico, was very present and worked very hard. Service was mostly top notch with certain waiters. Food was repetitive but very good for Cuba.

24 HOUR SNACK BAR
Wood fire oven pizza on pita bread was good but toppings sparse.

ET @ NIGHT
A small show (musicians, singers, dancers) every night followed by Anderson’s dj’ing and encouraging some dancing.

INFRASTRUCTURE
It’s Cuba. Much is crumbling or broken. Sad to see how things are in such bad shape but no one doing anything about it. For example, wooden chairs around pool are like Trojan horses with wooden wheels falling off. The day beds are a joke with little to no shade and falling apart. Paint jobs in rooms look like someone is painting with a broom. Tiles cracked and falling off. Etc…

SPA
Didn’t attempt it. Others said the massages were great but the actual jacuzzi was just small round pool filled with cold water and not in great shape.

GYM
Basic equipment but nice room to work out.

VEGETATION
an abundance of palm trees. Nice.

OVERALL SERVICE
Generally great in restaurants and some bars. Some service is just absent though, or without a smile or without any care in the world.

MANAGER
Rosa is the manager. She walks around with face buried in her cell phone and completely avoiding eye contact with guests. But can always be seen eating in the restaurants. She never introduces herself or speaks with patrons. Unlike royalton who go out of their way to connect with clients. Such a shame.

LATE CHECKOUT
The Night before we were leaving, we asked for late checkout. Got a flat out “no” as answer. Went back next day, and asked again to a different person, and again got an answer of “no”. We said we heard others got a late check out (which was true) and only then they pointed to sign of paying for late checkout and then was told oh yes you can get an hour for $22USD. So that what we did since we had a late flight.

TOKENS OF APPRECIATION
We always tip in USD. We brought Costco sized medication to give out (acetaminophen, throat lozenges, etc) and mosquito repellent.

We appreciate our vacays in Cuba very much and we manage our expectations, but overall this trip was probably the one that was most disappointing. Really too bad.

Not so bueno

Honest review (and beware of 5 star reviews on google maps which appear to be copy paste to inflate the rating number).

As 9th trip to Cuba, I manage my expectations. There were some positives but they were heavily outweighed by the negatives. Been to variety of resorts and comparing this primarily to royalton CSM.

WELCOME
Got a welcome drink. Check in was quick. Got tour of premises.

BUTLER
Our “daily” butler was supposed to be at our service all week. He only worked 3 days during our one week stay and we basically only saw him five minutes each day to take down the time we wanted dinner reservation. Though we tipped him well, he couldn’t fulfill a few requests/resolve a few issues.

WIFI
Good luck getting connected. Very spotty.

ROOM
Dated rooms but very large which was nice. Outdoor shower kind of cool but in rough shape and low water pressure and getting hot/lukewarm water was hit or miss. Tub was gross, no water pressure and only cold water. Nothing about it worked. All doors/latches opened and closed well. AC worked well but control panel didn’t work. The safe only had 3 working numbers so pretty sure anyone could have cracked our safe code. The towels were fluffy and great quality but hardly (if ever) changed. Mattress was on very firm side, actually too firm. Its condition was absolutely disgusting and filthy.

BEACH TOWELS
Tried to exchange on 2 occasions but they never had any so basically had the same towels all week.

THREE BEACHES

Sunset beach - is nice for the view and a picture but you can’t go in the water which is stagnant, clay-like sand, and shallow water filled with plants. Nobody goes in the water or in those hammock chairs. The bar drinks and service there were good.

Snorkeling beach - crushed coral and crashing waves. 2 people snorkeled whole time we were there. Not swimmable.

Main beach - Cuba can’t control the weather but has the aftermath to deal with. It was so windy the waves were crashing hard into the beach which was eroded. For two days the waters were filled with jellyfish. But the worst was that there was so much sea grass, one could hardly find a spot to go in the water or walk the beach. Only on last day there was 3 people to try to rake some of it up. The sea grass smelled so bad and is breeding grounds for sand fleas. (The picture you see is on a good day! Other days the water was filled with sea grass, and you really can’t see over deceiving sand cliff to see the sea grass which was 10-12 feet wide and clumped 1-2 feet high)

No beach bar service on the beach ever despite boasting this service.

Shower near walkway did not work.

BEACH SUGGESTION
Take shuttle to Melia Las Dunas whose stretch of beach was beautiful and clean. Got to enjoy that beach on one day when weather was more promising.

MOSQUITOS/NO-SEE-UMS
I sprayed with deet and eucalyptus/lemon but still got tons of bites. Super itchy but I count myself lucky as I saw others back at airport who had bright red spots all over.

POOLS
Quieter pool - pool pump not working all week. We once asked a passing worker for a net to skim water. He brought it to us and walked away. So some guests would do this task. I had the pleasure of cleaning the pool to remove palm leaves, dead lizard and dead crab.

On last day there, a shovel full of chlorine was dumped on the pool steps.

No pool drink service at the quieter pool despite the resort being very quiet and workers around main pool just idly chatting at main pool bar. MBV boasted about pool bar service and beach bar service but non existent.

LOBBY BAR
Great area outside with nice new wicker chairs and umbrellas. Great AC inside. Excellent service, especially Leidi (sounds like Lady) and Manuel. Had varied choices of bottles including whisky, brandy, Campari, Limoncello and Vermouth. But no sparkling wine all week.

RESTAURANTS/FOOD
Luis, food manager from Mexico, was very present and worked very hard. Service was mostly top notch with certain waiters. Food was repetitive but very good for Cuba.

24 HOUR SNACK BAR
Wood fire oven pizza on pita bread was good but toppings sparse.

ET @ NIGHT
A small show (musicians, singers, dancers) every night followed by Anderson’s dj’ing and encouraging some dancing.

INFRASTRUCTURE
It’s Cuba. Much is crumbling or broken. Sad to see how things are in such bad shape but no one doing anything about it. For example, wooden chairs around pool are like Trojan horses with wooden wheels falling off. The day beds are a joke with little to no shade and falling apart. Paint jobs in rooms look like someone is painting with a broom. Tiles cracked and falling off. Etc…

SPA
Didn’t attempt it. Others said the massages were great but the actual jacuzzi was just small round pool filled with cold water and not in great shape.

GYM
Basic equipment but nice room to work out.

VEGETATION
an abundance of palm trees. Nice.

OVERALL SERVICE
Generally great in restaurants and some bars. Some service is just absent though, or without a smile or without any care in the world.

MANAGER
Rosa is the manager. She walks around with face buried in her cell phone and completely avoiding eye contact with guests. But can always be seen eating in the restaurants. She never introduces herself or speaks with patrons. Unlike royalton who go out of their way to connect with clients. Such a shame.

LATE CHECKOUT
The Night before we were leaving, we asked for late checkout. Got a flat out “no” as answer. Went back next day, and asked again to a different person, and again got an answer of “no”. We said we heard others got a late check out (which was true) and only then they pointed to sign of paying for late checkout and then was told oh yes you can get an hour for $22USD. So that what we did since we had a late flight.

TOKENS OF APPRECIATION
We always tip in USD. We brought Costco sized medication to give out (acetaminophen, throat lozenges, etc) and mosquito repellent.

We appreciate our vacays in Cuba very much and we manage our expectations, but overall this trip was probably the one that was most disappointing. Really too bad.

Very pleasant staff but for a vacation with acceptable expectations as a clientele, you need 5-star service! Good luck / Spending all week every day at reception for a problem either fridge/AC/door not opening/door not closing/lack of water/lack of towel/changing rooms 3 times 🤔🤔🤔👎 it's ridiculous right ?????

Personnel très agréable mais pour des vacances aux attentes acceptables comme clientèle besoin d’avoir service de 5 étoiles! Bonne chance /
Passer toute la semaine chaque jour à l réception pour un problème soit frigo/AC/ porte ne s’ouvre pas / porte ne se ferme pas/manque d’eau /manque de serviette/ changer 3 fois de chambres 🤔🤔🤔👎 c’est ridicule non ?????

Food is often lukewarm and without spices, and the food selection leaves something to be desired. Good coffee and eggs in the morning. The maintenance of the premises leaves something to be desired. The internet often disconnects. No power outages.

Bouffe souvent tiède et sans épices, choix de bouffe laisse à désirer. Bon café et œufs le matin. Maintenance des lieux laisse à désirer. Internet se déconnecte souvent. Aucune panne de courant.